(Caption: Dr. Mark Keim from NCEH/ATSDR’s International
Emergency and
Refugee Health Branch assists a family after the
landslide in Chuuk state,
Federated States of Micronesia, 2002.)
Worldwide, around 150 million people are directly affected by natural disasters annually. More than 90% of all natural disaster-related deaths occur in developing countries. A lack of infrastructure, resources, and effective response capabilities often results in casualties and economic loss that could have been prevented. Similarly, wars and conflicts disproportionately affect those living in developing nations. Such events can lead to portions of the population migrating as refugees or internally displaced people. Such groups typically have few resources and suffer from health problems brought on by the conflict itself, lack of access to safe and adequate food and water, overcrowding, and psychological trauma.
Although such situations occur most frequently in developing countries in Asia and Africa, developed countries are not immune from such recent world events as terrorist acts, hurricanes, and transportation accidents. Such events have shown the public health outcomes of emergencies, disasters, and mass-casualty events. The worldwide scope and sources of terrorism confirm the need for an international network to address such environmental public health threats. Further, emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and avian influenza have given rise to the threat of global pandemics.
NCEH/ATSDR EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
CDC is recognized for leadership and expertise in emergency preparedness and response. NCEH/ATSDR responds to health needs related to natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, and other phenomena); releases of chemicals; disease outbreaks; terrorism, wars, landmines and unexploded ordnance; and refugee and displaced populations. Much of this work is carried out by the NCEH/ATSDR International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch.
NCEH/ATSDR capabilities include rapid health needs assessments, laboratory and toxicological expertise, the ability to deploy geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool in protecting the public’s health, and expertise in developing registries and epidemiological studies. In addition, NCEH/ATSDR supports emergency response and preparedness capacity-building among Pacific Island nations (through the Pacific Emergency Health Initiative) and worldwide.
NCEH/ATSDR works closely with international and US government partners to provide a coordinated response related to the environmental and public health aspects of emergency events worldwide, and participates in CDC’s round-the-clock Emergency Operations Center.
Click here for a list of current NCEH/ATSDR projects related to this topic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 • CDC Contact Center: 800-CDC-INFO • 888-232-6348 (TTY)
